Metro Government

Louisville Metro Council announced the schedule for two public hearings on a proposed ordinance to significantly increase the tax rate on most insurance premiums in the city, part of a plan advocated by Mayor Greg Fischer...

Mayor Greg Fischer unveiled a plan on Wednesday to dramatically increase the tax rate on certain insurance premiums over the next four years, in an effort to fill a $65 million budget hole over that time...

In a bold move to keep new tax revenue in-house, small cities are considering matching Metro Council’s proposed increase to the insurance premium tax. To fill a large budget hole created by escalating pension costs, Mayor Greg...

Mayor Greg Fischer warned of the potential of “devastating” cuts to city services and staff layoffs without new tax revenue on Thursday, citing an expected $65 million budget gap over the next four years due the...

City leaders have denounced an apparent hate crime directed at a Hindu temple earlier this week, as it was broken into and desecrated with graffiti. At some point between Sunday night and Tuesday morning, officials said,...

State

A bill was introduced Wednesday in the Kentucky General Assembly just before the filing deadline for legislation that would raise the state gas tax by 10 cents per gallon, in addition to imposing new fees and...

After failed attempts last spring and in a 24-hour special session in December, Kentucky lawmakers will try to pass pension reform once more this session. Filed on the final day for new bills, House Bill 504...

Neil Ramsey announced his official resignation from the Kentucky Retirement Systems board of trustees at its meeting on Thursday, two months after he first announced that he would resign over a legal conflict. Following an Insider...

The Louisville Urban League’s next free felony expungement clinic on March 2 is already fully booked, but in the meantime the nonprofit is seeking legal volunteers to help that clinic run as smoothly as possible for...

A bill that would legalize and regulate wagering on sporting events in Kentucky and earmark tax revenue to the state pension system easily passed through a legislative committee Wednesday morning. House Bill 175 would allow Kentuckians to...

By Perry Bacon Gov. Matt Bevin is unpopular — a poll released in January by Morning Consult found that he ranked 45th among America’s 50 governors in terms of favorability (though, the five below him are no longer...

By Amye Bensenhaver In an era when virtually every public official gives lip service to the importance of transparency and accountability, what is it that motivates a legislator to introduce a bill that abridges these twin goals?...

I have been the Jefferson County District Court Judge in Division Six for twenty years. Prior to sitting on the bench I was self-employed general practitioner for 18 years, representing clients in both civil and criminal matters in both state and federal court. In addition I represented I.U.E. Local 761 and its members.

1

What role can a district court judge play to reduce jail overcrowding and which tools, if any, would you use to that end?

The Jefferson County Jail Policy Review Committee and the Kentucky bail reform committee are currently working with law enforcement, with members of the court system as well as community members to find solutions to jail overcrowding. Experienced judges are crucial to implementation of any new policies that arise from the work of these committees.

2

Do you feel like district court could work more efficiently? If so, how can you help in this process?

The biggest obstacle to efficiency is the sheer volume of cases handled in Jefferson District Court on a daily basis. The National Center for State Courts, after a study of Jefferson County courts, has suggested the addition of two new judicial divisions to handle the volume experienced here.

3

What in your legal experience makes you the best choice?

Experience prior to taking the bench and on the bench. I have tried fifty jury cases and represented clients from a wide spectrum of the community as both a plaintiff and defense attorney. I have twenty years of experience on the bench and presided as Chief Judge of District Court during the prior reorganization of the Court.

4

Any other issues:

The Opiod Epidemic contributes significantly to jail overcrowding. District Court (and now Family Court) has a docket dedicated to cases impacted by drug use. Treatment options have increased, but not at the pace of criminal drug use. The community and Commonwealth of Kentucky must continue to educate themselves in regard to the best practice for dealing with opiod use in court cases.